Sketch-based gradual model-driven development

Abstract

This paper proposes an abstraction-aware reverse engineering method in which a developer just makes a mark on an important code region as if he or she draws a quick sketch on the program list. A support tool called iArch slices a program from marked program points and generates an abstract design model faithful to the intention of the developer. The developer can modify the design model and re-generate the code again while preserving the abstraction level and the traceability. Archface, an interface mechanism between design and code, plays an important role in abstraction-aware traceability check. If the developer wants to obtain a more concrete design model from the code, he or she only has to make additional marks on the program list. We can gradually transition to model-driven development style.